Biotechnology Introduction to Micropipettes and Gel Electrophoresis

Standards:  BI4. c. Students know how mutations in the DNA sequence of a gene may or may not affect the expression of the gene or the sequence of amino acids in an encoded protein.  BI5. c. Students know how genetic engineering (biotechnology) is used to produce novel biomedical and agricultural products.  BI5. a. Students know the general structures and functions of DNA, RNA, and protein.   5e.* Students know how exogenous DNA can be inserted into bacterial cells to alter their genetic makeup and support expression of new protein products.

Objectives: SWBAT  explain the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and proteins.  predict the physical characteristics of an organism based on its genetic make up.  understand the general pathway by which ribosomes make proteins.  understand how altering an organisms genetic make-up changes the proteins the organism produces.

Micropipettes  Used to dispense different volumes (liquid amounts) of liquids  Measure in microliters= 1 millionth of a liter

Tips for Using the Micropipette  Turn handle clockwise=decreases volume  Turn handle counterclockwise=increases volume  Push down plunger once to draw up solution, then release  Push plunger to second position to eject solution

Gel Electrophoresis  Used by scientists to separate fragments of DNA by size, charge, or other characteristics  Electrical charge runs through a buffer solution, causes the DNA to migrate towards positive  Separates DNA fragments by size, gives us an unique DNA sequence M K+K-A+A- L

Gel Electrophoresis SB buffer

The Mad Scientist!!!

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